bodycraft
Youth choreoLAB
Inspiring the next generation of dance-makers and choreographers
Offering choreographic strategies, improvisational skills, individualized mentorship and collaborative blueprints for young dance artists, ages 6-18.
BODYCRAFT Mission
Improvisation, composition, and choreography are woven throughout the BODYCRAFT program as dancers strengthen their creative practice, learn to embody complex choreography, and develop their unique movement expression.
BODYCRAFT emphasizes creative risk-taking and collaborative art-making, supporting dancers in growing as both performers and emerging choreographers.
THE PROGRAM
BodyCraft classes and offerings are organized by age groups with the intention to offer age-appropriate skills and challenges to young artists.
More about BodyCraft:
bodycraft 1 | creative dance & improvisation
Creative Dance & Improvisation (for grades Kindergarten - 2nd) invites young dancers to explore movement through imagination, play, and guided improvisation while building foundational dance skills. Exploring concepts from BrainDance and Bartenieff Fundamentals as well as traditional dance techniques, BodyCraft movement concepts strengthen body–brain connections, collaboration, and stretch the imagination through creative dance.
2026|2027
CLASSES
August 31 - February 15
Mondays | 3:45–5:15 pm
BODYCRAFT FINAL PERFORMANCES
Saturday | February 13
The BodyCraft performance offers a different kind of performance experience—one centered on collaboration, creativity, and storytelling—designed to complement studio training while fitting thoughtfully into dancers’ existing schedules.
TUITION
$75 per month per student
September - February
No additional Performance Fee, Costume Fee, or other hidden fees.
Payment must be made before selecting which BodyCraft class (1-3) you’d like to register for.
Bodycraft 2 | Contemporary Modern Dance Theater
Contemporary Modern Dance Theater (for grades 3rd-5th) is inspired by the creative work of the BBD company and introduces dancers to the forms and vocabulary of contemporary modern dance through creative practices, improvisation, storytelling, physical theater, and collaborative movement-making. This class is designed as a valuable supplement to technique and movement classes that dancers are already taking at other studios in Missoula. No formal previous dance training is required to participate.
2026|2027
CLASSES
September 4 - February 19
Fridays | 3:45–5:30 pm
BODYCRAFT FINAL PERFORMANCES
Saturday | February 13
The BodyCraft performance offers a different kind of performance experience—one centered on collaboration, creativity, and storytelling—designed to complement studio training while fitting thoughtfully into dancers’ existing schedules.
TUITION
$75 per month per student
September - February
No additional Performance Fee, Costume Fee, or other hidden fees.
Payment must be made before selecting which BodyCraft class (1-3) you’d like to register for.
bodycraft 3 | Choreographer’s toolbox
Choreographer’s Toolbox (for grades 9th-12th) is designed for teens to cultivate the craft of dance composition and contemporary performance.
Choreographers Toolbox offers a safe, supportive space for teens to explore creative expression, develop narrative, and think critically through improvisation, dancemaking, reflection, and discussion.
Designed to cultivate the craft of dance composition and contemporary performance, the program draws inspiration from tools developed by Liz Lerman, Pina Bausch, Merce Cunningham, Wayne McGregor, Ohad Naharin, and William Forsythe. Dancers learn to create from words and language, images, musicality, somatic sensation, emotions, chance procedures, improvisation, exploring choreographic principles with increasing breadth and depth.
After learning elements of dance, choreography, and creative prompts, students are paired with a professional choreographer as an advisor and mentor. Teen choreographers receive one-on-one mentorship sessions, including feedback on structure, intention, and rehearsal planning, as they develop a solo, duet, or small group work. These works are shared in a culminating performance at Westside Theater at the end of February.
This expanded model allows BBD to provide access to professional mentorship and create a shared creative space for young artists to invest deeply in choreography and performance.
Dancers of all styles and experience levels are welcome and are encouraged to embrace their individuality while learning in a collaborative and nurturing environment.
2026|2027
CLASSES
September 3 - February 18
Thursdays | 3:30–5:30 pm
BODYCRAFT FINAL PERFORMANCES
Saturday | February 13
The BodyCraft performance offers a different kind of performance experience—one centered on collaboration, creativity, and storytelling—designed to complement studio training while fitting thoughtfully into dancers’ existing schedules.
TUITION
$75 per month per student
September - February
No additional Performance Fee, Costume Fee, or other hidden fees.
Payment must be made before selecting which BodyCraft class (1-3) you’d like to register for.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Bare Bait Dance Company Apprentice program
Bare Bait Dance’s long-standing Apprentice Program focuses on teen dancers looking for preprofessional performance opportunities for technically trained young artists. These performers are selected via the Company Audition (usually held every May).
Bodycraft | pop-up classes
Curious about BodyCraft?
Join BodyCraft Director Rachel Oliver Young and Assistant Director Toree Wilson to experience and explore Bare Bait Dance’s newest youth programming. All pop-up classes are free of charge, and no pre-registration is necessary.
UPCOMING POP-UP CLASSES
Sunday | June 7, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30pm
Ages 3-10 LOCATION: Missoula Public Library, 2nd floor
Monday | June 8, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30pm
Ages 5-12 LOCATION: Missoula Public Library, 2nd floor
Tuesday | July 7, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30pm
Ages 5-12 LOCATION: Missoula Public Library, 2nd floor
Bodycraft Summer camp
Designed to spark imagination and build creative confidence, the BodyCraft Summer Camp blends dance technique, improvisation, and collaborative choreography in a supportive, high-energy environment. Led by BodyCraft Director Rachel Oliver Young, Assistant Director Toree Benson, and Bare Bait Dance Teaching Artists, campers will work with professional artists as they explore movement, storytelling, and creative risk-taking. Throughout the week, students will create original choreography that culminates in a performance for family and friends.
JUNE 22 - 26
Monday -Friday | 9am -3pm
location: WESTSIDE THEATER
Open to incoming 1st-6th graders
(grouped by age based on enrollment)
FINAL CLASS SHOWING Friday | June 26 | 3PM
A supervised snack and lunch break is provided daily.
Sibling discounts and scholarships are available.
Learn more about BodyCraft Youth Programming - Fall 2026 Registration is OPEN!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BODYCRAFT PROGRAM:
-
Ages 6–9 (1st–3rd grade): Dancers are building comfort with moving their bodies, exploring creativity through play, and gaining confidence to try new movements in a supportive environment.
Ages 9–13 (4th–7th grade): Dancers are developing greater body awareness and self-confidence, becoming more willing to take creative risks and express ideas through movement, especially with peers.
Ages 13–18 (8th grade and up): Dancers are refining their ability to express identity and emotion through movement, with increased confidence to take risks, make choices, and explore personal expression.
-
In registering, it is important that your child is able to commit to the full session of classes. The goal of the program is to maintain the same community of students so we can keep building on the material and create a safe, supportive learning environment.
Please check out our other offerings at Westside Theater for drop-in classes. -
Dancers should be in clothing that allows for freedom of movement, and long pants/leggings are preferred. Dancers will move barefoot, with hair secured away from their faces, and without jewelry.
Please bring a water bottle!
-
BodyCraft’s emphasis is on creative risk-taking and collaborative art-making through improvisation, choreography/composition, and creativity. Though traditional dance technique and movements will be incorporated and taught, this is not the emphasis.
-
Yes! This programming is meant to supplement, not replace, the dance your child is already experiencing. We are proud of the diverse dance options in Missoula and have specifically tailored our offerings to support what already exists.
-
No! With an emphasis on exploration, BodyCraft can truly expand to dancers of all levels as they explore their own creativity and art-making.
-
Refund Policy
We do not provide make-ups or refunds for any classes missed throughout the session.
Absences
Consistency is essential in building community and for individual artistic growth. If your child should be absent for any reason, please contact Rachel Oliver Young, our BodyCraft Director.Late Enrollment
BodyCraft’s curriculum is designed to progress from class to class, and we encourage all dancers to participate in the entire course to benefit fully and build community within the class.
Late admission may be accepted on a case-by-case basis without priority.
Punctuality and Entering the Space
Entering a class already in progress can be intimidating for children. A timely arrival within 5 minutes of class will help make your child’s transition easier. Students must be picked up on time. BodyCraft does not provide pre- or post-care.
-
We want to expand dance opportunities for our community and don't want the fees to hinder your involvement. If you are interested in participating in BodyCraft but the fee is holding you back, we will do our best to support you. Please reach out.
-
The Westside Theater is fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The lobby and bathrooms are at street level, and the stage/dance space is available without the need for an elevator or stairs.
Please let us know if we can plan with you for any additional accommodations or needs, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com
the Team
rachel oliver young
BodyCraft Director
Rachel Oliver Young brings almost two decades of experience as a dance educator, choreographer, and professional dancer. Rachel performed as a full-time company member with West Virginia Dance Company for three years and as a freelance dancer with companies and artists in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, performing in theaters, festivals, site-specific work, and multimedia projects. Rachel’s choreographic work has travelled nationally and internationally, and has been commissioned by various dance companies and colleges. Rachel is currently an adjunct instructor in the Dance Department at the University of Montana, a teacher at Studio M, and teaches BBD’s Open Company Contemporary Ballet. Most recently, she served for six years as Director of Dance at Denver School of the Arts, where she choreographed and guided emerging young artists. Rachel holds an MFA in Dance, as an Arts and Sciences Fellow at CU-Boulder, where she was awarded the Beverly Sears Graduate Student Award and the Graduate Part-Time Instructor Teaching Excellence Award by The Graduate School at CU-Boulder. Rachel is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, has an Alternative Teaching Licensure through the Colorado Department of Education, and is Limón Teacher Trained, all of which have deepened her knowledge in dance education. Rachel has taught dance courses and served as a guest artist at public schools, dance studios, and universities throughout the U.S.
Toree wilson
BodyCraft Assistant Director
Toree Wilson (she/her) was raised in Iowa where she grew up in her mother’s dance studio. She then moved to Chicago, IL, and completed her BFA in Dance at Columbia College Chicago in 2020. During her time there, she studied performance, pedagogy, and choreography. One of her college highlights was the opportunity to perform, teach, and train at the Camping Dance Festival in Paris, France.
Since then, Toree has inspired young dancers from Illinois to Iowa, Colorado to Montana. She initially fell in love with teaching in high school, becoming a student teacher at her home dance studio. As she developed her teaching skills, Toree would go on to teach technique classes at Forevermore Dance and Theater Arts in Chicago, IL. Then, as part of Design Dance, an educational dance company also based in Chicago, Toree broadened her teaching skills to include movers at community centers and public schools, where she gained skills in community building and revelled in spreading the joy of dance to all ages and backgrounds. Design Dance provided a platform for Toree to focus on teaching creative movement and giving kids agency within art-making. It offered her a new perspective on dance education, which she hopes to continue through the BodyCraft curriculum.
Post graduation from college, Toree returned home to Iowa to teach dance at The Dance Konnection and Prestige Dance Studio, honing her skills for technique classes for youth. Later, after moving to Carbondale, Colorado, she joined the Dance Initiative to teach movement in their public schools.
Now firmly entrenched in Montana, Toree can now be found teaching technique classes at Montana Dance Works (Butte) and at Show Tyme Academy (Missoula). She continues to cherish the ability to teach dance to kids with all backgrounds and abilities.
Toree is excited about growing the Missoula youth dance scene, especially the opportunities to share creative and choreographic strategies to young dance-makers. She can’t wait to build new imaginative and physical worlds with BodyCraft movers!
Stay tuned for a full list of BodyCraft’s Bare Bait Dance Mentors & Guest Instructors coming soon!
If you have questions or want more specific information, please reach out to BodyCraft Director, Rachel Oliver Young: rachel@thewestsidetheater.com